COASTAL Rowing Western Australia Incorporated has officially blessed their fleet as part of the group's grand opening event on Saturday, September 25.
Held at the rowers new hub at the Eaton Foreshore, the opening included both a 'non-denominational' blessing and launch of the fleet.
As reported by the Mail in August, Coastal Rowing Western Australia Incorporated were supported by a list of local, Bunbury-based organisations in their relocation from the Bunbury Port.
This included the Shire of Dardanup who offered up the foreshore as a suitable location as well as national logistics company Qube Holdings who generously painted and donated a shipping container to be used for equipment and boat storage.
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Coastal Rowing Western Australia Incorporated committee member Nancy Churchill said highlights of the event included the official opening of the shipping container and the blessing of the fleet.
"It went fantastically and we really appreciate the support of our sponsors who have been absolutely amazing in this process," Churchill said.
The fleet of boats as part of the group were also officially blessed before being launched from the foreshore.
Coastal Rowing Western Australia Incorporated treasure Myra Allen led the blessing and said the group was blessed to be able to explore and paddle on the waters of the Collie River, the estuary and beyond.
"Every journey is different, from the movement of the water, to the dolphins that greet us, the fish that glide beneath and the birds that fly and hunt and sing as we paddle the blue waters," Allen said.
"Please bless these vessels and all who steer or ride upon them. Let laughter sprinkle their bows, and the bonds of friendship keep them strong. May they journey safely through waters fair foul and return their crew safely back to shore."
Other attendees at the event included QUBE Southwest operations manager Daniel Mainstone, logistics manager Jason Florczyk and Shire of Dardanup president Michael Bennett.
To find out more about Bunbury-based, Coastal Rowing Western Australia Incorporated, send an email to Coastalrowingwa@gmail.com.